Is RFID in Your Future?

It is often suggested that RFID tags are a replacement for UPC or EAN barcodes; while it is true that they have a number of important advantages over the older barcode technology, it is not so clear that this technology shift will occur anytime soon. Many technology experts now believe that RFID may not ever completely replace barcodes, due in part to the higher cost and the advantage of multiple data sources on the same object. Retail barcodes have been around in their present form for over 40 years, many experts are suggesting a conversion to the new EPC, along with several other schemes because they provide more information and are available at a reasonable cost.

Storage data associated with tracking product flows is an ideal application for RFID because it can be read quickly and accurately while goods are moving through the supply chain. RFID data can be filtered, categorized and quickly associated with data stored in other systems in order to provide actionable information. RFID identifiers can be associated with product ID, batch, expiration date, QC test results and other important product specific data .

Many experts now believe that it is very likely that goods will be tracked by the pallet using RFID tags, and at package level with Universal Product Code (UPC) for product specific identification. Having a unique identity is a mandatory requirement for RFID tags, although there are a number of different numbering schemata. RFID tag data capacity is large enough that each individual tag will have a unique code, while current bar codes are limited to a single type code for a particular product. The uniqueness of RFID tags means that a product may be tracked as it moves from location to location, finally ending up in the consumer's hands. This will help to combat theft and other forms of product loss.

The tracing of products through the supply chain is a critical feature that is well supported by RFID tags containing a unique identifier and associated with a product identifier and the serial number of the product. This may help companies to cope with the cost quality recalls and speed the process by which defective product is controlled and returned. Some consumer advocacy groups have voiced concerns that this product/serial specific data could be used to profiling consumers after the sale.

Although it has also been proposed that RFID be used as POS store checkout system resulting in the physical replacement of the cashier with an automatic system which needs no barcode scanning. This scenario is not likely to become a reality in today's environment without a significant reduction in the cost of tags and changes in the POS process.An FDA-nominated task force concluded that there are commercially available technologies that can satisfy the pedigree requirements associated with tracing products through the supply chain. Amongst all technologies studied bar coding and RFID seemed to be the most promising and the task force felt that the pedigree requirement could be met by easily leveraging something that is readily available.

If your company is considering RFID applications Supply Chain Experts can help you design a program that satisfies the requirements of your customers while insuring the optimal data flows to accurately control your products through the supply chain.

Dr. Edward F. Knab

Productivity Constructs, Inc.

800 660 8718 office

949 413 7333 mobile

ed@edwardknab.com

Productivity Constructs, Inc

http://www.edwardknab.com/

Edward F. Knab

BlogSupply Chain Experts

Dr. Knab is an academic practitioner and seasoned Global Supply Chain expert whose company, Productivity Constructs, is focused on driving cost and inefficiency out of the Global Supply Chain. Dr. Knab can be contacted for speaking engagements, executive coaching, or consultation at efk@productivityconstructs.com, ed@ewardknab.com or http://www.edwardknab.com/.

Tags: inventory, RFID, UPC, EPC, POS, scan, information, inventory, lean, supply chain

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Leading is often taking a different path to exceptional outcomes.

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As a supply chain manager and an organizational leader what do you find most challenging? Are these challenges something you avoid or something you confront. Recently, we have seen General Motors go bankrupt because of their inability to change their business model and supply chain. Their centralized approach to automobile manufacturing worked a generation ago but not in today's environment. We also see that Boeing cannot deliver on their "Dream liner" commitment because of a poorly conceived supply chain that is difficult to adapt in a changing environment.

Here's a question that I ask my C-coaching clients: what are you most resisting in your life? What would your answer be? If you are resisting change, then you will begin to see more and more change in your life and experience more and more frustration. But when you realize that you are not resistant to change but rather the potential consequences that change presents and begin to take action to move through this resistance, change will become evolutionary rather that resistant. When you shift your mind, what you were once resisting will now serve as a platform for more success.

Often senior supply chain managers are resistant to change particularly when they designed and own the existing model. They become an obstacle rather than embracing the flow of change that leaves to continuous improvement. They often protect the existing model to the detriment of their organization and their career,Are you resisting becoming an elite performer? Are you resisting being more innovative? Are you resisting speaking your truth at work? Are you resisting taking care of your health and working on your physical dimension? Are you resisting opening up your heart in all your relationships? What you resist, will persist. The world is a mirror. When you change, your world changes.

If you or your organization finds itself resistant to change call a Supply Chain Expert. Supply Chain Experts can help your organization find unique solutions to supply chain challenges that helps you improve overall customer satisfaction.

Dr. Edward F. Knab
Productivity Constructs, Inc.
800 660 8718 office
949 413 7333 mobile
ed@edwardknab.com
www.productivityconstructs.com

Dr. Knab is an academic practitioner and seasoned Global Supply Chain expert whose company, Productivity Constructs, is focused "helping companies optimize people, processes and performance to achieve their full potential.." Dr. Knab can be contacted for speaking engagements, coaching, or consultation at efk@productivityconstructs.com, ed@ewardknab.com or www.edwardknab.com.

Tags: chain, supply, change, design, efficiency, financial, forecast, inventory, leadership, manufacturing

Why hire a Supply Chain Consultant?

In the complex environment of business “usually, there is more than one approach or solution available to most any problem”. The identification of potential solutions is normally affected by time, resources, and knowledge. There can be a range from short-term solutions to long-term solutions; the financial considerations can range from minimal cost to significant cost, and similarly, knowledge can range from the organization needing little to requiring significant amounts of new knowledge.

Knowing the client and client’s organization is essential for two reasons; one concerns what advice is given, and the other affects how the advice is given. The first is about substance, and the second about process. Good advice must always meet the client’s needs and circumstances, and the client is usually the best source of that information. A second reason for knowing your client’s needs and concerns is the manner in which the consultant goes about giving advice. An effective advisor or consultant shapes the process to fit the client’s abilities and background and to do that, he/she must know the client’s requirements. A relationship can develop only if the consultant and the client know something about each other. Effective consulting requires a good working relationship.

The process of identifying the appropriate solution to any problem can only come after some form of due diligence or discovery. A consultant must understand the problem and issues thoroughly; he/she must consider the perspective of the client as well as understanding what the potential solutions will mean to the organization. One of the primary roles of a consultant is to help the client define the problem. In many cases clients have not defined the problem accurately; which resulted in their inability to resolve the issues and caused them to solicit help from consultants. Appropriately understanding the problem is an essential element for developing effective solutions. If you would like to know how this can benefit you call Ed at +1(800) 660 8718.

Supply Chain Experts can help your organization find unique solutions to processes that are keeping your company from achieving your potential

Dr. Edward F. Knab
Productivity Constructs, Inc.
800 660 8718 office
949 413 7333 mobile
ed@edwardknab.com
www.productivityconstructs.com

Dr. Knab is an academic practitioner and seasoned Global Supply Chain expert whose company, Productivity Constructs, is focused "helping companies optimize people, processes and performance to achievetheir ful potential." Dr. Knab can be contacted for speaking engagements, coaching, or consultation at efk@productivityconstructs.com, ed@ewardknab.com or www.edwardknab.com.

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Dr. Edward F. Knab
www.edwardknab.blogger.com
www.edwardknab.com